Five Things To Do If You Have A Workplace Injury
It can be confusing right after a workplace accident. In a tough job market, some people are afraid to report their injury to their boss right away because they do not want to be fired. Some people do not know that their employer is responsible for covering the cost of their medical treatment when they have been injured on the job. Some do not know that they have a right to compensation for lost wages if they cannot to return to work for an extended period.
At Pizzonia Law, LLC, we understand how frightening it can be when you are hurt and cannot go back to work. Contact us in Albuquerque at 505-445-2109 for a free case evaluation from an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. We do not charge attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
The following list is not legal advice, but is a guideline for helping you after a workplace injury:
1. Get medical care — If you become injured during the time you are working at your job, get the medical care you need right away, especially for life-threatening injuries.
2. Report your injuries — Report the accident and the injuries you received in writing to your employer as soon as you can do so. Be sure to report all your injuries. Keep a record of the report with you. If you sent the report via fax, keep the fax confirmation with you. Be careful of what you say to any doctor you see. Do not minimize your injuries by saying, “I will be all right.” Do not take the blame by saying, “Oh, it was my fault.”
3. Go to the right doctors — Make sure your employer directs you to the appropriate — and approved — doctors for your follow-up medical care immediately. Get every injury on the record — physical and emotional — right away. Get the treatment you need for all your complaints.
4. Report all the work you do — If you have two part-time jobs, include all the jobs you work at in your report so you can get paid correctly for the work you do. Temporary total disability (TTD) payments include your overtime hours as well.
5. Keep your job — Sometimes employers or their insurance companies try to get their injured employees to quit after an injury. Do not let your employer force you to leave your job so they do not have to pay for your injuries.
Call For A Free Consultation About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Pizzonia Law, LLC, is here to help you get the best possible results in your workers’ compensation claim. Call our office at 505-445-2109 for a free consultation. You can also email us a short description of your claim. We help clients throughout New Mexico with workers’ comp claims..